Evolution of Color Concepts in Interior Design During the Republican Era: A Case Study of Urban Families in Shanghai

Abstract

This paper investigates the transformation and reasons behind the changing color concepts in the interior design of Chinese households during the Republican era. Given its early influence, the rise of Shanghai was nearly synchronous with China's modernization process, making it an excellent case study for understanding the urban and residential environment changes in modern China. By focusing on urban households in Shanghai, this study employs a combination of literature interpretation and comparison of relevant publications from the Republican era, as well as analysis of designers' concepts and works. It explores the variations and underlying reasons for the color concepts in urban home decor during this period, shedding light on the mutual influence of Chinese and Western decorative design ideas. By offering a specific and nuanced perspective, this research contributes to the comprehension of the transformation and development of modern interior design in China. The findings reveal an unprecedented emphasis on color attributes within the interiors of urban households during the Republican era. Local intellectual elites summarized the traditional color palettes of interior spaces and systematically investigated aspects such as the relationship between color and spatial arrangement, the impact of color on occupants' emotions, and the introduction of Western scientific color systems. These efforts resulted in significant breakthroughs and advancements in the traditional color paradigms. Amidst this transformative period of color concepts, indigenous intellectual elites, designers, relevant publications, and shifts in spatial perception played pivotal roles. Additionally, the influence of professional interior decorators and artists arriving from Europe and America to Shanghai also proved to be instrumental in driving these changes.